Welcome
“Nikki's compassionate guidance was pivotal during a challenging period of transition in my life. Struggling with depression and anxiety, I found her support invaluable in helping me realign my energy and perspective. Thanks to Nikki, I emerged from our sessions with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity, allowing me to navigate through my challenges with newfound resilience.” — LP, 27, San Francisco
"Since starting therapy four months ago, I have grown so much in my emotional maturity. I have more ability to calm my mind. I am able to sit back and think before acting and have more control over my reactions. I am communicating better with everyone than I ever have before. I am learning assertiveness skills and how to be honest in the moment. I am setting healthy boundaries. I no longer have angry outbursts towards others. I'm excited for today and five years from now." — AR, 21, Los Angeles
Hello, I’m Nikki Heeren. Since 2018, I have been working as a licensed psychotherapist in various settings, including in private practice and as a clinical director for a mental health nonprofit. I work with adults, parents, and young adults struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, self-esteem issues, parenting challenges, women’s issues, post-partum, grief, overwhelm, insomnia/sleep issues, life transitions, and symptoms of ADHD.
I work with clients using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and deliver services through telehealth (video or phone). CBT is an evidence-based approach originated by Dr. Aaron T. Beck, who discovered that we can shift our emotions by working to change our thoughts and behaviors. This includes working to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and learn new behaviors, such as positive coping and interpersonal skills.
After working with me, clients usually report feeling more confident, peaceful, and optimistic about their future. They often notice changes in their communication that lead to less conflict and more closeness in their relationships. Parents who work with me usually report improvements in their relationships with their children, an increase in their child’s positive behaviors, and more confidence in their parenting skills.
Length of treatment with me depends on the person. For some, this can be a short-term process (three to six months), for others, the process can take more time (more than six months). This depends on various factors, such as how many areas of your life are being affected, severity, concurrent mood disorders, trauma history, medical issues, and environmental stressors.
More about me: Prior to becoming a therapist, I earned my MA in Education and TESOL certificate and worked in various educational settings as an elementary school teacher, environmental educator, and English as a second language instructor. I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain and have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Barbara, Sonoma County, the East Bay, and now currently reside in San Diego County with my husband and two children. I recharge by spending time by the ocean, reading, painting, running, exploring spirituality and philosophy, and spending time with friends and family. I became a therapist because of my beloved late sister who suffered from co-occurring addiction and serious mental health conditions. I do this work for her, and through God, in the hopes of helping each person I work with to find hope and healing.
